ABRIWMTHM Chapter 84

The Alliance’s diplomat had just begun a diplomatic rupture and quickly returned to mend relations, only for the diplomatic celebration to be disrupted by two star beasts. Ultimately, it was verified that all evidence pointed to Scholar Jane Miller, who had been severely injured during the celebration.

Following this, before the Empire’s investigations had produced any clear results, the Alliance swiftly characterized the entire incident as Miller’s “resentment” and “retaliation,” dismissing him from his position in the cabinet. Meanwhile, the Alliance issued a formal apology to the Empire and published a public apology letter on the star network, acknowledging their failure in supervision.

In just under a week, the diplomatic landscape and situation had changed dramatically for the Empire and the Alliance.

Given the ongoing turmoil, it made sense for the diplomats from both sides to refrain from communication and take a few days to cool off.

In other words, regardless of the situation, Chi Yao and Shi Xing finally had legitimate reasons to rest for a few days.

This was a timely relief for Chi Yao, who was in a state of disarray, and for Shi Xing, who, as a Blue Star human, had never experienced such chaos before.

Waking up in the morning, Shi Xing yawned, still feeling sleepy.

As he turned over, he unexpectedly touched another person on the bed. With blurry eyes, he opened a slit and mumbled, “Your Highness?”

Having lived a long military life, Chi Yao had a light sleep; he quickly woke up at the slightest movement. By the time Shi Xing turned over and tentatively groped around, Chi Yao was already alert.

Upon hearing his voice, Chi Yao responded and pulled Shi Xing into his arms for an embrace.

The warmth from Chi Yao jolted Shi Xing’s foggy mind awake.

Rubbing his eyes, Shi Xing wondered, “Did I finally adjust my schedule?”

He had been so tired in the past two days, and everyone remarked on his lack of energy.

Shi Xing reached for his communicator and pressed a button, only to lose hope when the floating screen indicated it was past morning; he had only just woken up.

However, if he indeed had gotten his schedule back on track, then…

“Your Highness, aren’t you handling official duties this morning?”

Chi Yao had an extraordinarily regular routine. When Shi Xing felt exhausted, he often slept in a little longer and would find himself alone upon waking.

Being able to laze in bed and still see Chi Yao beside him, with Chi Yao holding him gently, Shi Xing couldn’t help but wonder if this was one of the few wonders in the palace.

Chi Yao kept his eyes closed and simply said, “I’ve been too tired recently. I’ll take the day off.”

“Oh,” Shi Xing replied.

That was indeed a good time to rest, especially with everything in disarray.

As Shi Xing shifted, his sleepwear rolled up slightly, and he felt Chi Yao’s arm resting against his side. Chi Yao instinctively adjusted Shi Xing’s clothing, pulling it gently downward. It was a very ordinary action, but when Chi Yao’s fingers brushed against his skin, Shi Xing felt a tickling sensation and instinctively recoiled. Chi Yao’s fingers paused, resting on Shi Xing’s skin.

Shi Xing sensed a change in the atmosphere. Before he could think about what felt off, two fingertips traveled along the hem of his clothing, moving upward.

Shi Xing: “!”

Chi Yao enveloped him from behind, both a hug and a confinement.

As Chi Yao’s fingers pressed together, Shi Xing couldn’t help but emit soft sounds from his throat.

After a moment, Chi Yao’s fingers returned to Shi Xing’s waist, lightly tapping him with an indescribable meaning.

“You reacted, Star.”

Shi Xing couldn’t understand how Chi Yao could say such things so earnestly. He wanted to escape, but given their recent interactions, Chi Yao clearly wouldn’t let him slip away. Dejected, Shi Xing buried his head into the pillow, unwilling to speak, his neck flushing red as a silent acknowledgment.

Chi Yao suddenly asked, “The report from the Nest indicates that Blue Star humans don’t typically have many impulses during their maturation period, is that right?”

Shi Xing, feeling defeated, covered his eyes with his arm. “What kind of impulse are you talking about?”

Chi Yao whispered two words in Shi Xing’s ear, making him feel as hot as Chi Yao himself.

Shi Xing wished he could bury himself entirely under the covers. “That’s beyond impulsiveness; that’s a concrete action!”

Chi Yao: “Haven’t you tried?”

That wasn’t the point!!

Shi Xing curled up again, feeling intensely embarrassed, yet Chi Yao pressed on, asking for an answer in a manner that suggested he wouldn’t give up until he got one.

Shi Xing finally cracked under pressure and admitted, “No.”

Perhaps Blue Star humans were truly different from those of the Empire. At least, while at the Nest, Shi Xing had never felt such impulses.

His best friend, Shi Ran, did not experience such troubles.

But with Chi Yao, he always felt a surge of excitement, both emotionally and physically…

A kiss came over him. In the midst of confusion, Shi Xing heard Chi Yao unabashedly say, “Let’s try today.”

“I’ll teach you.”

…

After getting up, Shi Xing took a shower, scrubbing his skin until it turned red.

He didn’t want to look in the mirror while showering, so he set the bathroom mirror to hidden.

By the time he finished washing, Chi Yao had already bathed and left. Before he went, Shi Xing unusually took charge, placing his hands on him and helping him wash his hands several times.

Afterward, Shi Xing specifically instructed Yan Changyue not to come up, set the robots to change the bedsheets and duvet, and personally tossed their pajamas into the washing machine. He watched as the washing machine filled with water, confirming that the stains on top were soaked away before starting to wash himself.

When he finally emerged from the bathroom, Shi Xing still felt flushed. He wasn’t sure if it was from shame or the steam.

How could this be…

Though it felt nice.

But he hadn’t agreed to it!

Even if his later actions didn’t seem like a rejection…

But enough was enough; how could they play around so much, so…

Shi Xing was in despair, not daring to think any further, burying his face in the towel, wishing he could just suffocate himself.

His lip had split again, and even after showering, the moment he recalled how Chi Yao had touched him, the feeling of teeth prying at his lips was still vivid, along with that sticky sensation – it lingered in his mind inescapably…

Shi Xing: “…”

He felt he wouldn’t be able to step out of the room today; he was too embarrassed.

In reality, Shi Xing did manage to leave, but he didn’t go down for lunch, which was rather strange.

After a chaotic few days, everyone in the dormitory had gotten a break; Tang Mi, as Shi Xing’s teacher and official, lived there. However, Wen Wan didn’t come today, but there was still an extra place at the table, as Er Ya had arrived.

Chi Yao was handling some official matters in the study when he beckoned Shi Xing over, gesturing for him to sit down. Shi Xing didn’t speak and sat with a puffed face.

Noticing this, Chi Yao, in front of everyone, didn’t say much either.

When everyone had gathered, they began to eat.

When Fei Chu was absent, everyone still followed the etiquette of eating without speaking. However, with Fei Chu joining them, this courtesy was rarely upheld.

Chi Yao casually picked up a piece of meat and served it to Shi Xing.

Shi Xing frowned, pretending to refuse. “I don’t want this.”

Chi Yao shot him a glance, and just as his chopsticks left, they turned back and he placed the meat in his own bowl, eating it without a hint of distaste.

Er Ya: “.”

Er Ya looked at Fei Chu, who softly remarked, “It’s just a daily occurrence, some normality.”

After a while, Chi Yao served Shi Xing some deep-sea starfish. Shi Xing had already eaten several pieces before, making it difficult to use the excuse of not wanting to eat. He begrudgingly chewed and swallowed.

Today’s thorny shell shrimp was airlifted from the Northern Territory, tasting different from what was typical in the Imperial Capital. Shi Xing loved this dish and couldn’t help glancing at it multiple times after it was brought to the table. Chi Yao extended his hand, serving it directly to Shi Xing.

Shi Xing: “…”

He swallowed hard. “Forget it, I don’t want to peel it.”

Normally, shrimp were served peeled, but this dish was different. The flesh of the thorny shell shrimp clung to the shell, and it had to be peeled before eating to retain its freshness, with a firm texture that didn’t lose flavor.

Once Shi Xing finished speaking, Chi Yao gave him a sidelong glance that made Shi Xing feel unreasonable.

Was he being unreasonable?

Recalling the morning when he said to forget it only to be repeatedly pulled into exploring new worlds, Shi Xing’s displeasure flared, refusing to accept that he was the one being excessive!

Chi Yao said nothing, so Shi Xing continued eating. By the time Chi Yao set down his chopsticks, Shi Xing was still chewing slowly.

Chi Xing had always eaten at a leisurely pace.

Chi Yao brought the plate closer, then began to peel the shrimp.

Er Ya glanced at Fei Chu again, who coughed slightly and said, “Sister, you can just ask the person involved; I haven’t even had the peeled shrimp!”

Chi Yao added insult to injury, “If you want to eat, peel it yourself. There’s plenty more in the kitchen.”

Fei Chu: “…”

Fei Chu: “Honestly, if you hadn’t said that, I could’ve eaten one more bowl of rice!”

Chi Yao: “Well, that’s convenient; saving the palace some food.”

Fei Chu was about to protest further. “Is it never-ending with the favoritism? Can we not just get along?!”

Er Ya finally put down her chopsticks and straightforwardly said, “I thought it was just a normal match; I didn’t expect you to seem… quite affectionate.”

At least, this side of Chi Yao was something she had not seen before.

Chi Yao simply smiled, placing another shrimp in front of Shi Xing.

As for Shi Xing… he was completely oblivious to what everyone was discussing, completely engrossed in the delicious food.

By lunchtime, Shi Xing had stuffed himself and felt satisfied, but he was still woken up by Chi Yao in the afternoon.

Rubbing his eyes, Shi Xing asked, “What’s wrong?”

Chi Yao replied, “Miller’s diagnosis has come out; we need to go check it out and sign the acceptance of the Alliance’s apology letter from Wei Er and Li Yu.”

“That came quickly?”

The incident occurred during the celebration two days ago, an investigation was held yesterday, and the Alliance sent their apology letter last night, and today the Empire was to sign it?

Wasn’t that too fast?!

Chi Yao explained, “Tian Yuan Star will compensate the Empire; they have hinted at a low-priced crystal mineral order, which the Empire needs. They said they would discuss the details when signing the apology letter.”

In other words, it was a trade-off; one hand for compensation, the other for signing acceptance.

“We also need to hold a diplomatic meeting to discuss the pricing of crystal mineral purchases with the Alliance. I don’t want to push it to that point.”

If it was compensation, it was best to settle it quickly, otherwise, the longer it dragged on, the more unpredictable the situation became along with the shift in diplomatic relations, which might result in uncontrollable effects.

Shi Xing understood.

Thinking of something, Shi Xing asked, “Has Miller’s and his escort’s communicator been decrypted?”

Chi Yao shook his head. “The technology from Decker Star was just developed this year; their encryption is exceptional. The Empire has no way to handle it. Furthermore, the Alliance has discovered the loss of their communicators and has requested their return, citing the protection of political secrets.”

Shi Xing nodded.

There wasn’t much that could be done now. Accepting the apology and securing compensation was the best course of action.

About half an hour later, Shi Xing and Chi Yao’s group arrived at the hospital. Wei Er felt that Chi Yao looked much better. Connecting it to Er Ya’s arrival and Miller’s suspicions, he thought that Chi Yao’s turmoil likely would pass, but now that Er Ya was here, they couldn’t exploit the situation further and had to let it go.

He felt a bit regretful but didn’t show it.

The Empire’s group visited Miller in the ICU. Miller was wearing a breathing mask and was asleep. It was said that after being rescued last night, he hadn’t woken much today. Shi Xing glanced a few times, feeling no particular emotion.

After the formalities had been covered, they shifted to discuss the signing and compensation. The First Hospital had specially prepared a meeting room for the royalty and Alliance diplomats to use.

Ren Yan Yong, Wei Zhen, and Wen Wan all accompanied them; Shi Xing wasn’t very familiar with the intricacies, so he remained uninvolved.

After waiting outside for a while, Shi Xing stood up to go to the restroom and bumped into Li Yu on his way out.

Li Yu greeted Shi Xing, and Shi Xing nodded in acknowledgment.

To be fair, although he knew the three that came from Tian Yuan Star weren’t anything good, he just didn’t have a strong opinion of Li Yu, who didn’t talk much, neither particularly disliking nor liking him.

Just as he was about to leave, Li Yu stopped him.

He expressed concern over Shi Xing’s experience during the celebration, asking whether he was okay facing the two star beasts.

Shi Xing forced a smile. “I didn’t know General Li Yu was so concerned about me.”

Hearing the sarcasm, Li Yu didn’t mind, still smiling, but what he said made Shi Xing’s heart sink.

“Prince Shi Xing is a Blue Star human; it is well-known that star beasts particularly love the mental power of Blue Star humans. Based on this, as an Alliance diplomat and considering that the incident was caused by Miller’s blunder, I would naturally pay more attention to you.”

Shi Xing’s smile faded.

He had not revealed to the diplomats that he was a Blue Star human.

But looking closely, it wasn’t hard to guess his race.

His physical features and the lack of aggressiveness in his mental power could pretty much confirm it.

Not waiting for Shi Xing to reply, Li Yu suddenly added, “Prince Shi Xing hasn’t passed the maturation period yet, has he?”

Shi Xing’s brows furrowed.

But Li Yu didn’t want an answer from him; instead, he said on his own, “Prince Shi Xing and Emperor Chi Yao seem to have a good relationship.”

Shi Xing felt something was off and grew wary, only responding, “It’s natural for partners to have a good relationship.”

“Oh, really?” Li Yu laughed, making Shi Xing uncomfortable. “However, in the Empire, aren’t Blue Star humans in their maturation period only matched with imperial officials? Isn’t that the only way out, rather than being companions?”

“I thought that under such coercive measures, the marital relationship formed wouldn’t foster much fondness between the parties involved.”

Shi Xing replied coldly, “You’re mistaken.”

Li Yu remained unbothered, still smiling, almost talking to himself, “But growing up under the Empire’s education, Blue Star humans should develop little resistance to the idea of matching, right? Including the historical narratives regarding Blue Star, they are selectively indoctrinated by the Empire, leading to your inaccessibility to the most authentic, comprehensive records.”

Shi Xing narrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

Li Yu responded, “It seems Prince Shi Xing is quite interested in the vanished Blue Star.”

“If you’re interested, do you know that the Empire once destroyed a large number of historical records about Blue Star that were available in the market?”

Shi Xing didn’t know.

But in his previous life, when his mental sea had dried up, he flipped through records of Blue Star out of boredom. If Li Yu hadn’t brought this up, he wouldn’t have realized that the Empire indeed had fewer records about Blue Star compared to other planets.

Even resource-rich Campbell Star had four to five historical documents that survived to this day. As for Blue Star, the documents he had dealt with, as well as those in his education, essentially came from one historical text, and the publication date of that text…

If Shi Xing remembered correctly, it was about a hundred years’ old. Within a hundred years… that clearly didn’t add up.

Noticing Shi Xing’s contemplative stance, Li Yu continued, “There are no fewer than five authoritative works concerning Blue Star within the Alliance. If Prince Shi Xing is interested, here’s my contact number. Feel free to reach out anytime; I would be more than happy to provide you with the books and offer detailed explanations on their content.”

Li Yu extended his hand with the contact number, smiling amiably.

Shi Xing glanced at the piece of paper, and just when Li Yu thought he had succeeded, Shi Xing brushed past him and walked away.

Li Yu’s outstretched hand froze in mid-air.